Workforce development is the set of actions a company or community uses to recruit, train and retain the people needed to do the work—think of it as building and sharpening a toolbox or training a sports team so everyone can perform their role. For investors it matters because a well-developed workforce lowers hiring and training costs, boosts productivity and innovation, and reduces execution risk, all of which affect revenue growth, profit margins and long-term value.
registered apprenticeship programtechnical
A registered apprenticeship program is a formal training system where a company combines paid, on-the-job learning with classroom instruction and earns official recognition from a government agency that sets curriculum and issues a credential. Investors care because these programs build a steady pipeline of skilled workers tailored to the business, lowering hiring and training costs, reducing turnover and boosting productivity—think of it as a company growing its own custom toolset of employees.
information security analyststechnical
Information security analysts are professionals who protect a company’s digital assets by finding weaknesses, setting up defenses, watching for attacks, and responding when problems occur. Like security guards and locksmiths for a building, they help prevent data breaches, downtime, and regulatory fines that can harm revenue, reputation, and a stock’s value—making their work important to investors evaluating a company’s operational and financial risk.
industry recognized credentialstechnical
Certificates, licenses or formal qualifications that are widely accepted within a particular industry as proof that a person, product or company meets established standards. For investors, these credentials act like a driver’s license or diploma—signals that reduce uncertainty about competence, compliance and quality, which can affect a firm’s reputation, regulatory risk and long‑term value.
financial literacyfinancial
Financial literacy is the ability to understand and use basic money concepts—like budgeting, saving, borrowing, investing, and reading simple financial statements—so you can make informed decisions. For investors, it matters because it helps separate good opportunities from risky ones, manage portfolios sensibly, and interpret company announcements and market reports; think of it as the map and toolkit you use to navigate financial choices and avoid costly mistakes.
financial educationfinancial
Financial education is the practical knowledge and skills needed to manage money, understand investing basics, evaluate risk and read financial statements or product descriptions. For investors it matters because it helps turn confusing choices into informed decisions—like learning to read a map before a trip—so you can set realistic goals, compare options, spot potential pitfalls and better protect your savings and returns.
cybersecuritytechnical
Cybersecurity involves protecting computers, networks, and digital information from theft, damage, or unauthorized access. It is essential for safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining trust in digital systems, which matters to investors because strong cybersecurity reduces the risk of costly breaches and disruptions that can impact a company’s performance and reputation. Think of it as locking and safeguarding valuable information much like securing a safe to prevent theft.
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Bank commits $1.5 million to workforce development and $155,000 to financial education programs in Rhode Island as part of a broader commitment to Ocean State.
PROVIDENCE, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Citizens today announced a series of community investments that reinforce its long-standing commitment to Rhode Island, spanning financial education, workforce development, small business growth, and housing stability.
“Rhode Island is our home state, and we’re proud to invest here—not just with capital, but with our more than 4,000 colleagues and a long-term commitment to the communities we serve,” said Keith Kelly, Rhode Island State President at Citizens. “From financial education to workforce development, small business growth and housing stability, we’re focused on building deep partnerships, expanding impact, and supporting community needs across the Ocean State.”
Key Highlights:
$1.5 million workforce development commitment in Rhode Island, backing partners such as College Visions, the Genesis Center, Skills for Rhode Island's Future and Crossroads Rhode Island, as part of a $20 million national commitment.
$155,000 committed to financial literacy programs in Rhode Island, supporting six local organizations, including Amos House, Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, and RhodeWay Financial as part of a $2.85 million enterprise-wide financial education investment.
Investing in Workforce Pathways for a Changing Economy
Citizens is investing in workforce development efforts designed to prepare Rhode Islanders for in-demand careers as skill requirements continue to evolve.
A cornerstone of this work is Citizens’ partnership with the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) to build skills-first pathways that connect education directly to employment. Through CCRI, Education Design Lab and several local banks, Citizens helped launch the nation’s first statewide Banking Micro-Pathway, a tuition-free, 15-week hybrid program that prepares learners for entry-level banking roles and connects graduates directly to hiring opportunities. This banking pathway earned Citizens a Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship (BCCC) Innovation Award, recognizing leadership in designing innovative, skills-first workforce solutions.
Citizens also partnered with Rhode Island College, CCRI and Building Futures this year to launch Rhode Island’s first Registered Apprenticeship Program for Information Security Analysts, offering paid, work-based learning, industry recognized credentials, and mentorship from Citizens professionals to prepare participants for cybersecurity careers shaped by technology, AI, and evolving risk environments.
These initiatives are backed by Citizens’ broader workforce strategy, including a $1.5 million commitment in Rhode Island over the next three years as part of the bank’s $20 million national investment, and long-standing mentorship partnerships such as Year Up United, where Citizens recently marked 20 years of collaboration.
Citizens’ workforce efforts are complemented by its national focus on career exploration through its partnership with Roadtrip Nation, helping fuel Many Roads Forward, a documentary series highlighting nontraditional career pathways.
That work is powered by colleagues across the enterprise. In a record-setting 2025, Citizens colleagues volunteered more than 265,000 hours, including 70,525 hours from Rhode Island colleagues.
In recognition of this impact, Citizens ranked No. 15 on Newsweek’s America’s Most Charitable Companies 2026 list. The bank also recently was recognized with the 2026 Joe Belew Award from the Consumer Bankers Association, recognizing leadership in strengthening Main Street economies.
Expanding Financial Empowerment Across Rhode Island
As part of its continued focus on financial empowerment – and in recognition of Financial Literacy Month – Citizens announced $155,000 in funding to six organizations across Rhode Island, supporting financial education programs tailored to local needs. That investment is part of $2.85 million in financial education funding across Citizens’ footprint, reaching individuals, families, and small businesses at key financial moments.
Financial education is delivered through Citizens Money Essentials (CME), the bank’s colleague-led program offering accessible workshops to customers and small businesses in English and Spanish. The program also expanded to include youth-focused workshops that build foundational money skills linked to future education and career planning.
About Citizens Financial Group, Inc.
Citizens Financial Group, Inc. is one of the nation’s oldest and largest financial institutions, with $227.9 billion in assets as of March 31, 2026. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens offers a broad range of retail, private banking, wealth management and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations and institutions. Citizens helps its customers reach their potential by listening to them and by understanding their needs in order to offer tailored advice, ideas and solutions. In Consumer Banking, Citizens provides an integrated experience that includes mobile and online banking, a full-service customer contact center and the convenience of approximately 3,000 ATMs and approximately 1,000 branches in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Consumer Banking products and services include a full range of banking, lending, savings, wealth management and small business offerings. Consumer Banking includes Citizens Private Bank and Private Wealth, which integrate banking services and wealth management solutions to serve high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, as well as investors, entrepreneurs and businesses. In Commercial Banking, Citizens offers a broad complement of financial products and solutions, including lending and leasing, deposit and treasury management services, foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity risk management solutions, as well as loan syndication, corporate finance, merger and acquisition, and debt and equity capital markets capabilities. More information is available at www.citizensbank.com or visit us on X, LinkedIn or Facebook.
